River's End: River on Fire Part 1

River on Fire.

by Leanne Davis.

River's End Series.

Dedication.

When I first started this series in 2010, I planned to incorporate a devastating fire in the story line. I did not, however, intend for it to be based on true events. But that is exactly what happened. On July 14, 2014, the Carlton Complex Fires raged through the Methow and Okanogan valleys, becoming to date, the largest fire in Was.h.i.+ngton State history. It scorched the land for over a month before being fully contained. In the end, the fire burned more than 250,000 acres, or 400 square miles of land, 322 homes, and innumerable outbuildings.

I dedicate this story to the courageous people involved in this fire, not only the ones who lost so much, but also the firefighters and all the volunteers that came together in so many different capacities to finally extinguish this epic inferno.

Prologue.

IN FIFTEEN MINUTES, ONLY nine hundred seconds, the fire burned up one side of the entire valley, devouring all the trees, sagebrush, gra.s.s and structures. It's ruthless, ravenous arms reached out, engulfing everything in its path like a firestorm from Armageddon, and mercilessly destroyed homes, roads, outbuildings, orchards, and pastures full of livestock along with forests full of wildlife. It was so fast, they had no time. No time to run. No time to take cover. No time to fight. The fire won the battle before anyone could even suit up. Like a nuclear incinerator, it defeated all of them. Plumes of smoke were all that was left of the formerly lush land. In a matter of minutes, trees were scorched into a blackened, charred wasteland. Now, only a swath of blue water twisting down the center was the sole color the fire spared. Few remnants of life were left. The next day, the stubborn fire circled around to take out the other side of the valley, burning all the way down into the very heart of River's End.

Jack Rydell rose from his knees before the charred ruins of their land. Black and soot covered his face and arms and the backs of his hands. Ian, Shane and Joey Rydell stood beside him, every bit as black and soot-covered. Silence descended for over an hour. There was nothing to say. No words could describe the last few days of horror and tragedy. There were no words to describe the pain of watching their entire livelihood burn up in smoke. Their eyes were rimmed in red from lack of sleep. Their lips were dry and cracked, and their voices hoa.r.s.e from the choking smoke they had to inhale during the last four days.

Before them lay the remains of their ranch. Charred buildings, extended gaps in fencing, and restless horses that were kicking, stomping, turning and twisting in a fear so real and primal, some even escaped their enclosures. The sun was somewhere above them, a hot, red oven burning up along with the fire. Gray and black smoke obscured everything as ashes floated down like rain, and they surveyed the blackened land that they previously called their home.

"I can't... I don't think I can do this anymore," Jack said finally. They all looked up in disbelief at him. He was their leader, their father-figure, their ruler and king. He was Jack Rydell. He dropped his head, shaking it as he pressed his hands against his face. Finally, hot tears streamed down his cheeks. "First, our parents, then Lily, then..." he couldn't say another word about the latest tragedy. No words were necessary. Joey understood that.

Jack continued, "...Then this? I can't... I can't do it again. I can't start over again. This place is cursed. This place will be the death of me, and my family, as well as you and all of yours. I can't do it anymore. I can't give any more to it. I'm done. I'm so f.u.c.king done."

Joey's heart climbed up into his throat. No. Never. This could not be his brother, Jack, quitting before him. On his knees, literally, saying this latest tragedy and loss was it? Could this finally break Jack's spirit? Joey refused to believe it. Tears streamed from his own eyes, stinging and burning as he wiped them, his gritty hands only making them hurt more. His soot-stained skin was so black in places, he doubted it would ever wash off. A fitting reminder for the destruction they all witnessed, battled and lost. Seeing his indomitable brother on his knees, crying, disoriented, and giving up, made something deep inside Joey crack. If Jack couldn't handle this, who could? He was the strongest man Joey knew. Jack had all the answers to his questions. If Jack quit, what would become of them? His brothers and nephews? And most of all, Joey? What would become of the ranch? And the lifestyle they carved out and protected as a family for over a century? One fire? One day? One hour? Fifteen minutes? Could that be all it took to wipe everything away?

f.u.c.k, no!

But no one said anything. Ian, usually second in line with answers and confidence, should have spoken up and argued with Jack. Or kicked Jack in the a.s.s. Why wasn't Ian doing something? Or Shane? s.h.i.+t! He never took any c.r.a.p. Shane could do anything. But Shane's head was hanging, and he looked just as desolate as the rest of them as he rubbed his eyes. Tears. All four brothers had tears in their eyes. Joey had never seen them all crying. Not even when their parents died. Not when Lily died. Never, until now.

The silence was as thick as the smoke between them. They refused to leave, those four Rydell brothers. Everyone else found their way to safety under a mandatory evacuation. But the Rydells stayed together. As always, whether physically present or not, Joey considered their loyalty as something that went far beyond anything physical; it was a state of being, a way of life. This place was the essence of all of them, their heart, soul and core. The family home. The source of all love and faith and life.

The ranch was their life.

Joey turned towards the remains of the ranch as they stood up on the road, trying to a.s.sess the damage. Down below, the valley stretched far into the horizon before meeting the base of the mountains. Spots of blue sky, so incongruent to the black devastation, peeked through the smoke plumes.

Now, however, it was no more than a black, charred wasteland, with hot spots flaring and the loud crackle and popping of trees exploding. They were the paralyzed victims of h.e.l.l's fury. The brothers choked on air devoid of oxygen and stared down over their land. Although they resisted the fire on some of the borders of the ranch, it still managed to find a way onto their land, despite their earnest efforts, and the determination of the hotshot fire crews. It devoured part of their souls when it hit the ranch. Their livelihood.

It also devoured something in Jack. And without Jack, and this place, what would Joey have? The ranch was his home and family. It was his ident.i.ty and their legacy. It was supposed to last forever.

How could it all get burned up and incinerated today? It wasn't supposed to end this way.

Chapter One.

HAILEY STARR FOLLOWED HER blond, whining fifteen-year-old into the small office to check in at the resort. Brianna was prattling on in a running monologue/protest about being forced to accompany her for the summer and having to stay at the tiny resort/horse ranch smack dab in the middle of Was.h.i.+ngton state. She was about as happy to be there as a cow on its way to the slaughterhouse. Hailey turned a deaf ear to her moaning teen. Meanwhile, her twelve-year-old son noticed the horses they pa.s.sed with an eager eye. He was the real reason they came there. It wasn't about Brianna; even if she didn't totally get that concept yet. All she needed was a curled-up lip to make it a full tantrum.

They walked into a large log house with a wonderful porch that ran the entire length of the building. The main ranch house perched over the land on a sloping hill. Looking behind her, Hailey got a breathtaking view of green fields dotted with horses and outbuildings, and beyond that, the river. Even further down the way stood the tiny gingerbread houses and buildings that comprised the small town of River's End.

A sign directed the guests where to check in. The front door was quite welcoming with an Open sign and another that said Come in. Hailey was first impressed by the river rock fireplace that rose all the way up to the roof, right through the second story. Its magnificence in the room literally took her breath away and she gasped audibly. She saw an open stairway and landing above them, and couldn't stop whirling around, visibly awed. A small door to her left indicated the gift shop where she saw touristy trinkets and souvenirs as well as convenience items such as toothpaste, brushes, water bottles, and a variety of different snacks and foods.

Upon entering the foyer, she saw a desk, a table, and to the right, some seating. The kitchen was located further back and small tables were scattered all over the front porch. The resort advertised a cozy, real home-cooking cafe that served lunch and dinner, except for Mondays.

Hailey was absorbing everything when a young woman with soft, bleached curls walked in from a back room and smiled at her. "Good afternoon, are you here to check in?"

Hailey nodded, digging out her paperwork and wallet. "We are."

"Welcome to the Rydell River Resort, I'm Marcy Rydell, and I can help you with anything you need."

Hailey shook the woman's hand. "Nice to meet you."

As the two women discussed the check-in procedure and resort amenities, Hailey glanced off only to find Brianna had vanished. Hastily, she collected all the brochures and other stuff Marcy so eagerly gave her, and hurried out to look for Brianna. In the gift shop, she found her flirting with a young man at the counter. He was leaning over her, his platinum hair falling onto his forehead as he nodded and pointed to a map spread out before him. Brianna was also leaning over the same counter, her tank top conveniently low enough to show the smooth, round globes of her cleavage peeking over the rims of her lacy bra. Hailey sighed out loud as she jammed all the pamphlets into her oversized purse and hiked it higher up on her shoulder.

Marching over to the counter, she said, "Brianna, go out with your brother."

Brianna jumped at Hailey's terse order and turned to glare at her after rolling her eyes. "Oh, my G.o.d, Mom. Chill out."

Nearly launching herself forward, Hailey had the strong urge to grab her daughter's cheek between her index finger and thumb, squeezing, just like she did when Brianna talked back to her at age five, and seven and twelve. But now? She couldn't, even though her fingers twitched and ached to do so.

"Bri, knock it off," Hailey hissed.

Brianna smiled at the man, who had straightened up and was listening to them with visible amus.e.m.e.nt. Eventually, she sauntered out, exaggeratedly swinging her hips. Hailey glared after her, gnas.h.i.+ng her teeth.

She glanced at the man. The stupid man. He was hot. Like, burn you up hot. Like a fantasy-come-true that should have been a pin-up. "She's fifteen, mister. In case she wasn't clear on that."

The man smiled. Wow. Talk about white, straight teeth and the perfect, c.o.c.ky-sweet-macho-little boy smile all rolled into one. The deep dimples in his cheeks and twinkling eyes that crinkled at the corners were nearly intoxicating.

"Yes, ma'am, I was pretty clear on that already."

"That's statutory rape, you know. And she's far too young for you anyway."

His smile dimmed, but he bit his lower lip, as if trying to keep his remarks to himself. She was sure of it. "Yes, ma'am," he said, and his ma'am was over-exaggerated. "She asked me if anyone did white water rafting here. And since I happen to be the guide for that particular sport, I thought it prudent to answer her. I don't care how old she is. I'm here to provide that kind of information to any of the guests."

Hailey narrowed her eyes, sensing he was mocking her. So... what? Was he simply doing his job?

He lifted up the paper they were looking at on the counter and Hailey glanced down. It was a map of the valley with the river slicing through it. "I was simply showing her where we started and where we came out, which is right on the beach here. I was also advising her of the rules and telling her the rates, you know, the usual information that guests ask."

"Oh." Heat filled Hailey's cheeks. She had nothing more to say. So what if she overreacted to that cozy little scene; at least she wasn't wrong about Bri's interest, just this guy's. Part of why they came there was to keep Brianna out of trouble for the summer.

He held out his hand. "Joey."

Shaking his hand, she found it strong and tanned, but not all that much bigger than hers. He wasn't very tall either, pleasantly taller than she, without towering over her. "Hailey, mother of that fifteen-year-old girl, and a guest."

"I caught the first part, and a.s.sumed the second."

He leaned casually against the gla.s.s counter that was formerly a display case, one you might find in any store. "So... I take it she doesn't want to be here?"

"How many girls who are going into their soph.o.m.ore year of high school have you met who like vacationing on a ranch?"

"From around here? Quite a few, actually."

"Oh. Good point. Well, she doesn't."

"Are you punis.h.i.+ng her?"

"Perhaps. But her brother wanted to come here. He's twelve and couldn't wait."

Joey reached under the counter and handed her another brochure. It showed a river raft swooping through white, foamy waves and smiling people with helmets and lifejackets, holding their paddles with their mouths open, screaming. "Might want to consider taking her. She seemed pretty interested."

"In you," Hailey muttered with another roll of her eyes.

"I'm not into little girls, ma'am, in case you're worried," he replied softly with barely a twitch of a smile on his lips. "I like women."

Hailey jerked to attention and stepped back. Did he just say that to her in a flirting voice? No. Whoa. Just, no. The guy didn't even seem to be on the upper side of thirty. He couldn't have been flirting with her thirty-eight-year-old a.s.s. Besides he just talked to her teenage kid, and was probably closer to Brianna's age than he was to Hailey's.

"Does all that flirting you do result in more women booking your white water trips?"

His bright grin went full wattage. "Doesn't hurt sometimes."

It was hard not to smile at his honesty and that d.a.m.ned adorable grin. "Well, watch whom you direct it towards."

He saluted. "Yes, ma'am. Not at your daughter."

Hailey turned and pushed at the door. "That's right."

"What about you?"

She stopped dead when his fading voice trailed after her as she started to exit. She turned back, scowling. He really shouldn't insult paying guests. As if she'd fall for that load of hot, steaming horse c.r.a.p. "Me? I'll report you to your mother. And I wouldn't want to get you in all that trouble."

His chuckle followed Hailey out. "Can't, ma'am. She's dead."

Hailey closed her eyes and blinked them open. "Well, c.r.a.p. That takes all the punch out of my threat. I'm sorry."

He laughed good-naturedly. "Years ago. I don't even remember her."

Hailey almost tsk-tsked him. "Well, flirting with women half your age or double your age isn't the best strategy. You'll get burned on one end or the other."

"You're not twice my age."

"My daughter isn't half yours either, but she could still land you in jail."

"Touche," he said with a smirk. Then he straightened up and his face became all serious and mild as he said, "Good afternoon, I hope you enjoy your stay with us."

"I intend to," Hailey said just as formally with a smirk to match his before she went out the door. It bothered her when she felt his gaze following her a.s.s. She held her shoulders back and ignored the urge to cover her rear or turn sideways and actually sidestep out of there. He did it, no doubt, just to annoy her. As if that beefy compilation of male youth and beauty would seriously ogle her.

She sighed. Being short, and average-figured, her hips were too wide, which was only exacerbated by motherhood. Her stomach was not flat and her b.u.t.t bubbled out, making the tops of her thighs appear too thick. Cellulite had become a constant companion over the course of the last decade. Lucky her. She still had nice, thick, shoulder-length blond hair, enhanced by honey-colored highlights and green eyes. Almost forty now, she didn't possess the kind of looks that made people gaze at her with shock once her age was revealed. Ha. As if. Nope, she was lucky if she got a head tilt or a mumbled, "You look nice for your age."

Hailey shook it off. So what? She was long past the days of flirting with a guy her daughter tried to entice by offering him a glimpse down her top. Sliding into the car, she found Brianna glaring out the window of the pa.s.senger seat. Jacob sat in the back, his face bright and eager. "Bri says there's river rafting. Can we go?"

Hailey held in her sigh. Of course, Brianna said that. "I'm sure we can at some point. But can't we unpack first?"

Jacob was raring to do it all. He leaned his head out the window and stared at the horses. He was so excited, he couldn't wait to ride them. He'd only ever done it twice before and loved it. Hailey pulled up and stopped before cabin number fifteen. They were all built like miniatures of the log house and so adorable and sweet, they could have made your teeth ache. Not for Brianna. Her bare feet were resting on the dashboard, and the mirrored sungla.s.ses she wore hid her eyes.

Hailey glanced at her impudent daughter. "You can't flirt with guys that are so much older than you, Brianna. It's wrong. You're only fifteen. You'd only get a decent guy in trouble or get yourself hurt by encouraging a perverted one."

Brianna kept her gaze fastened outside the pa.s.senger window. "You're so full of s.h.i.+t."

"Brianna!" Hailey fisted her hands over the steering wheel in frustration. When? When did that happen? How did her sweet, polite daughter who once hung out with her because she wanted to become this rude, awful, disdainful girl who said such horrible things to her mother? And what exactly did Hailey ever do to deserve it? She was not an unfit parent. She was never unreasonable or an embarra.s.sment to either of her kids. But ever since the divorce, her elder daughter had grown increasingly hostile. Apparently, she blamed Hailey instead of realizing she was only half responsible. To Brianna, her father still walked on water, even though he was now living with his twenty-five-year-old physical trainer. Naturally, Brianna couldn't seem to see the correlation between the physical trainer and her parents' subsequent divorce. Despite how much Hailey might have liked to properly inform her, she would never have tried to upset her own daughter.

No, she was fully willing to let her daughter abuse her, rather than cause her daughter any more pain. Hailey understood her pain and anger and rebellion. But that didn't make it any less exhausting to get up and have to face each and every day. At first, Brianna was quiet and withdrawn about the gradually brewing destruction of her family; but once it became official, Brianna only got worse. And flirting with the twenty-something hottie that worked at the resort? Not cool. Even though her daughter was actually only fifteen, she could easily pa.s.s for far older. With big b.o.o.bs, a small, tight body that only emphasized them, long, blond hair, and her short-shorts, she was adorable. Yes, she couldn't really get too annoyed at the guy, Joey, for flirting and responding to her daughter. Never mind that it literally made Hailey cringe and shake in disgust. It was so wrong to picture her daughter and s.e.x.

She truly believed her daughter had not partaken in such things yet. She had to believe it for her own peace of mind, but there was no guarantee. Especially with the lack of communication between Brianna and her over the last few months. She also caught Bri sneaking out, and going places she wasn't allowed. It was becoming a kind of endless parade of antics.

Brianna swung her legs down, leaning over to grab the thick straps of her bag. She hurled her car door open and stepped out, tugging the bag higher on her shoulder and not even glancing at her mom with the slightest regret. Hailey swore under breath as she followed her children. Jacob rapidly traversed the steps and jumped from foot to foot, anxiously waiting for Hailey to come up with the key. Brianna merely turned her body away and stared out towards the distant brown mountains. With a huge sigh, Hailey thought, So far, this isn't a good idea.

Hailey hoped a few weeks together this summer might let her rebuild what she lost with her daughter... and maybe enhance what her son felt towards her. He was wary, confused, and very unsure about her and his father. The uncertainty she witnessed cut deeply into Hailey's heart. She knew she caused that. But her son, Jacob, didn't lash out at her. He just became quiet. Sometimes, his silence made Hailey feel guiltier than all of Brianna's most vicious tongue las.h.i.+ngs.

Hailey ground her teeth and left her daughter moping on the stoop as she entered the cabin. It was a three-bedroom cabin, and she spent a hefty chunk of her savings to book it for the entire month of July. And now, here they were. All staying together. The vacation coincided with her ex-husband's trip to Palm Springs with his girlfriend. He planned to get married and honeymoon for the entire month of July too. The kids weren't invited. It was just the two of them. A rash union, yes, but at least he had the decency to warn Hailey about it so she could start early on the damage control. Judging by her daughter's rigid back and the way she stomped through the living room before slamming the door to a bedroom, however, seemed she wasn't doing too well.

Hailey glared at the closed door. Swallowing her sigh, she realized there was little doubt that her ex-husband's hasty actions would be blamed on her. The month of July loomed long and dark before her despite the bright sunlight that shone through the windows, highlighting the roughhewn wooden floors, leather furniture, river-rock fireplace and rustic decor.

Her son was running happily through the entire cabin, yelling down from the second story that overlooked the living room-kitchen-dining room. At least she made one person happy. Hailey couldn't remember the last time she made anyone else, including herself, happy. It was much too long to even bother about.

Joey grinned at the new family who slipped into a comfortable sedan. The daughter was too well-endowed and hot for her own good. She came in there to browse, but her gaze immediately landed on him, like a hungry leopard on an antelope. He managed to distract her with the river rafting brochure, only to get blind-sided by her mom. It was hard to restrain his laughter when he saw how p.i.s.sed the woman was. She was ready to call the police and have him arrested. He almost held up his hands in surrender. He'd have overlooked the mom at first. Sure, the daughter was some serious eye-candy, and maybe worth the risk of getting arrested. But her mom was funny as h.e.l.l. Hailey Starr read the computer when he checked the most recent registrations. The entire system was connected. They'd come a long way at the resort since the days of Jocelyn having to sign in all the people in her cursive handwriting on the ledger.

Hailey had att.i.tude and nothing about him impressed her. That wasn't the case usually. Joey had one of those likable faces and he had taken advantage of it for most of his life. He used his striking good looks for years and got all the girls he ever wanted. Especially when he was in the Army. But now he wasn't trying to date anymore girls. Besides, his big brother, Jack, would have fired his a.s.s if he tried to flirt with any of the resort guests, let alone, one of their freaking teenage daughters. And Jack had the final say around there. Technically, however, he, Shane, Jack and Ian all had equal shares in the place, but they understood one thing-Jack was the figurehead.

Joey had been living at home now for over two years. He swiftly a.s.sumed the management of the resort, and later added miscellaneous attractions like river rafting. Meanwhile, Jack oversaw the working horse ranch and Shane, his next oldest brother, handled any tasks the others asked him to do. Marcy was married to Ben, Joey's nephew, and both were only five years younger than Joey, who was twenty-six. Ben primarily worked with his father and Jocelyn, who was once solely in charge of guest check-ins, but now served primarily in the cafe. She did everything, from hostessing to waitressing to filling takeout orders and keeping the pantry and the supply cabinet well-stocked.

It was an elaborate set-up that had only been recently enhanced over the last two years. Jack's long lost sister appeared at that time. She ran a consulting company that specialized in streamlining procedures and maximizing profits for companies. After an elaborate a.n.a.lysis of their enterprise, she examined both the Rydell River Ranch and the Rydell River Resort. Her recommendations included a risky expansion that included turning the house that used to be their family home into a gift shop and hotel reception along with a cafe. The upper floor was converted into four guest rooms with their own private baths, and people loved to stay there. Now, however, no Rydells lived there. Nowadays, Joey only worked in the home he was raised in. It seemed odd at first and made him resentful, despite his vote for the changes. His three older brothers concurred. But it was still a bitter pill for him to see his beautiful family home being featured on the front page of the brochures that now advertised the Rydell River Resort. There were ten small cabins on the north end of their thousand acres, and a newer tract of five larger, multi-room cabins designed for bigger families and larger groups. The amenities were also upgraded and now included a pool that was central to all of the lodgings, surrounded by a pristine lawn and a garden full of potted flowers and comfortable patio furniture.

Yes, the Rydells had risen pretty high in the world. Their ranch had become a very popular, sought-after destination spot. They also created a wealth of opportunities that included a large variety of jobs for both themselves and the town's people. It was a lucrative source of income and everyone wanted to keep the ranch alive and well. They could finally start expanding it in ways that Jack had only dreamed of. Joey had no idea that Jack even dreamed, but his staunch, strict brother really did, as it turned out. Jack's wish was to turn part of their land into a rehab facility for horses. Jack loved horses. He breathed and lived for horses. Joey? Not so much. He liked the horses and enjoyed riding, and the barns weren't so bad to muck, but he had no desire to spend all day with the n.o.ble creatures. He preferred being around people and the resort brought in all kinds of people.

None of his older brothers were as good with people as Joey was. He liked all the work involved in management, which included anything from overseeing minor repairs and answering complaints, to dealing with miscellaneous problems of the guests or staff, to ordering inventory, running the raft trips, and cleaning the pool. He managed it all and picked up the slack whenever necessary. The ceaseless variety of tasks suited Joey to a tee, and he was profoundly glad the family voted to expand their small legacy far beyond the original horse ranch. He wasn't sure he would have stayed if that had been his life's work all along. But after serving in the Army, Joey was more than certain the ranch was where he wanted to be. He was glad he joined the armed forces, too; he needed that experience. It made him grow up, and quickly. He'd been spoiled and his life seemed almost too easy until he enlisted. Instantly, the security he counted on for his entire life was ripped away from him.